We’ll be the first to admit court reporters can be a little quirky. Since the

subject matter of the cases they work on runs the gamut, they’ve obtained a

little knowledge (and a lot of opinions) on virtually every topic. A court

reporter’s professional life is never dull. Combine that variety with a

seemingly flexible schedule, and it’s understandable that a career in court

reporting is an interesting option.

Not everyone is cut out to be a court reporter, though, even if that’s the career

they’ve always dreamed of. Here are four traits successful court reporters

have in common:

    1. Perfectionism

Maybe they’re a little, dare we say, obsessive-compulsive? (This can

sometimes lead to raging debates about whether or not to use semicolons or

the proper way to note the introduction of an exhibit.) When they hear an

unfamiliar word or term, they’ll ask counsel for a spelling at a break, or they’ll

research it on their own after the deposition. They’re not satisfied with

guessing. They’re sticklers for proper grammar and punctuation.

    2. Punctuality

If a deposition is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m., the reporter is there, ready

to go on the record, at least 10 minutes before. They’ve scheduled the extra

time into their commute. And since they’re intellectually curious, they’ve

brought along a book they can read if they didn’t need the “extra time.”

    3. Discretion

You wouldn’t believe the things reporters hear on the record, let alone off the

record! Successful reporters know that anything they hear while on the job

isn’t their information to share with anyone.

    4. Assertiveness

The best court reporters know they have to speak up to ensure a good

record. They’ll interrupt to tell a witness to slow down, or that they can’t hear

what’s being said, or to inform a witness or attorney that they’re mumbling.

They’ll ask to look through exhibits to get the correct spelling of names and

terminology.

The next time you talk to your favorite court reporter, watch for examples of

these traits. We guarantee you’ll see at least one of them!

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